Children's Instruction & Research Supervisor na Howard County Library System

Description

You are the dynamic leader of a team of extraordinary Children's Instructor & Research Specialists who provide exceptional children's classes at the Central Branch. You guide them as they get to know our diverse community, provide an extraordinary customer experience, and provide entertaining and educational experiences for our youngest customers. You are welcoming and create a sense of belonging and fun. You earn trust by supporting and developing your staff to be the best they can be. You create and maintain an environment of inclusion, diversity, and respect for your staff.

We are seeking a highly motivated Children's Instruction & Research Supervisor to lead our Central Branch children's instruction team! Candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply! We offer a friendly, collaborative work environment and a generous benefits package, including 15 paid holidays and your birthday off. Interested in joining our team?

We are guided by these shared values:

• We are your place to learn, connect, and grow 
• We contribute to achieving HCLS' racial and social equity goals. Please view the Brave Voices, Brave Choices initiative
• We advance HCLS’ educational mission, effectively communicating our curriculum, which comprises Three Pillars (Self-Directed Education, Research Assistance & Instruction, Instructive & Enlightening Experiences)

Who you are:

• You lead people with compassion
• You motivate and inspire staff
• You are their cheerleader and provide guidance
• You are a great communicator and active listener
• You value the development of yourself and your staff
• You are organized and decisive, able to make decisions
• You value collaboration on all levels
• You are a master at diplomacy

What you will do:

• Creates and implements children's educational plans that are responsive to community aspirations and that achieve HCLS' strategic goals
• Ensures curriculum meets HCLS' goals, standards for quality, and instructional design
• Supervises, coaches, and develops staff through goal setting to create and deliver dynamic classes
• Motivates and inspires staff to increase community engagement by translating community aspirations into curriculum, collections, and services
• As a member of the Central Leadership, assists in creating an inclusive, welcoming, and highly motivating environment
• As Branch Leadership, proactively anticipates and resolves issues and handles staff and customer concerns diplomatically
• Leads the planning of system-wide events, classes, and A+ Curriculum Enhancements for children's services
• Assigns and oversees projects related to children's curriculum
• Serves as a lead resource to staff on children's materials and curriculum
• In collaboration with Materials Management, assists in promoting and developing the children's collection to reflect community aspirations
• Prepares and teaches children's classes for children ages birth through 5th grade, including classes related to the Enchanted Garden
• Visits schools to present book promotions, teach A+ classes, and provide instruction resources for preschool, elementary, and high school students and staff
• Provides research to the public by answering queries in person, by telephone, or electronic means
• Teaches/facilitates classes, seminars, and events for adults related to children’s education
• Oversees collection maintenance and shelf reading
• Hosts HCLS branch tours
• Manages community engagement in accordance with equity goals, including liaisons to A+ schools
• Participates in special events in the community
• Participates in professional training and development
• Oversees staffing and building security and assists with closing on an assigned basis
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Requirements

Do you have what it takes?

• Four-year college degree
• Minimum of two years supervisory experience
• People skills – ability to work effectively with others and enjoy it
• Exemplifies extraordinary customer service skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Demonstrated ability to be positive, adaptable, and forward thinking
• Demonstrated passion for working with the public, especially with children
• Ability to organize, plan, and train
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment and exercise diplomacy
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships
• Working knowledge of HCLS’ collection in all formats available
• Thorough knowledge of children's materials
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Ability to promote children’s curriculum throughout the county
• Demonstrated ability to motivate people, build teams, and to lead groups, committees, and other planning structures
• Knowledge of the community and current events
• Tech savvy – ability to use programs/processes such as the Internet, specialized online research tools, office applications, as well as other library related programs
• Current valid driver’s license

Your job at the library will be active!

• Job allows for some variance in work routine and considerable amounts of standing, walking, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling and sitting.
• In addition, strenuous activity is required, such as carrying bags or boxes of books or arranging rooms for classes and events.

Additional details:

• Position located at the Central Branch
• Grade 12; Salary Range: $56,262 - $98,656
• Works under the supervision of the Branch Manager
• Full-time; 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Saturday, including two nights per week, alternating Fridays and Saturdays, and a maximum of two Sundays out of four; evenings and weekends required for HCLS signature events
• May be required to participate in LATI (Library Associate Training Institute)
• Position closes Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 4 PM

EEO STATEMENT

Howard County’s diversity is its greatest asset. Howard County Library System embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. All communities, including communities of color and immigrant communities, are fundamental to our spirit of service, workforce and long-term success. Equity and empowerment are top priorities. We believe all Howard County residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. Among our goals is for our workforce to reflect the community it serves. We are actively working to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Howard County Library System takes pride in providing equal employment opportunities.